CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- Despite not appearing on CBS' fall schedule, the Eye network has picked up its veteran comedy "Becker" for a sixth season. 13 fresh installments of the series are set to be ready for a midseason bow. The news comes after weeks of speculation about the future of the Ted Danson-led sitcom, which also launches in syndication this fall.

"Becker" averaged a little over 10 million viewers this season on Sunday nights for CBS, down more than 35% from its post-"Everybody Loves Raymond" numbers last season. Nevertheless the series helped build the Eye's adults 18-49 average in its time slot by 9% this season, a key demographic for advertisers.

The 13 episode order brings "Becker's" total production to 130 episodes. It is not clear if any casting or creative changes are in store for the series when it returns next year.